Golf putter grip

ABSTRACT

A grip for a golf putter having an elongate handle with a first end, a second end, an intermediate body portion, and means for connecting the handle to the putter such that the second end is contiguous therewith. The handle is provided with a thumb-receiving surface and finger-receiving surfaces adjacent the second end on opposite lateral sides thereof and normal to the thumb-receiving surface. The handle defines a pointed portion including the second end and the finger-receiving surfaces. The handle is adapted to be gripped by a golfer with the thumbs in side-by-side relation upon the thumb-receiving surface pointing towards a club head of the putter, the index fingers lie upon the finger-receiving surfaces and against the thumbs, the tips of the middle fingers touch and lie against the index fingers and a rear surface of the handle, and the ring and small fingers of the golfer&#39;s hands are intertwined.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of golf putters, andparticularly, to a golf putter grip which permits the use of a newgripping method and stroke therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Golf theory teaches that the putting stroke should be executed ingenerally pendulum-like fashion.

[0003] In the conventional method for putting, the hands of the golferare typically located one beneath the other and grasp the shaft in areverse overlap grip, thereby positioning one shoulder beneath theother. During the stroke, in order to approximate pendulum-likemovement, a body adjustment is made, to compensate for the fact that theshoulders are not naturally level upon address of the ball.

[0004] While this conventional method has clearly proven satisfactoryover time, it is difficult to execute with consistency, since thenecessary body adjustment is a complex physical movement.

[0005] It is known in the prior art to provide a golf putter whichadmits the use of a grip wherein the hands of the golfer are level withone another, with thumbs disposed in side-by-side relation on the handleand index fingers disposed against opposite sides of the handle, in anattempt to eliminate the need for the aforementioned body adjustment.Exemplary in this regard are U.S. Pat. No. 3,219,348 (Dishner, Jr.),issued Nov. 23, 1965, as well as U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,573 (Key, Jr.),issued Jan. 10, 1978. However, in order to provide stability, the handleof each of these putters is constructed in substantially bulbous form,which is contrary to the present Rules of Golf as promulgated by theUnited States Golf Association.

[0006] Another attempt in the prior art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,213,891 (Moore), issued Apr. 10, 2001. The putter of this referenceincludes a handle that is not bulbous, and as such, appears to be incompliance with the aforementioned Rules of Golf. However, in thisputter, an extended handle is provided which bears against the sternumof the user in play. While this handle provides the necessary stability,the radical structure of this design can be unacceptable to golfers whodo not wish to depart significantly from tradition, and can also drawattention and signify to observers that the golfer has difficulty withconventional putting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] As one aspect, the present invention includes a grip for a golfputter. The golf putter is of the type having a club head that has arear part defining a heel, a front part defining a toe, a head axisextending between the heel and the toe, a substantially planar solewhich is arranged parallel to the head axis and a lateral axis lying inthe plane of the sole and arranged normal to the head axis. The golfputter is also of the type that has a shaft having a lower endoperatively rigidly attached to the club head and proximate thereto, anupper end disposed upwardly, rearwardly from the club head and alongitudinal axis extending therebetween. According to the invention,the grip comprises an elongate handle having a first end, a second end,and a body portion intermediate the first end and the second end. Thegrip also includes means for rigidly connecting the handle to the shaftsuch that the first end is disposed substantially longitudinallyupwardly from the upper end of the shaft and the second end iscontiguous with the upper end of the shaft. The handle is provided, on afront surface of the handle adjacent the body portion, with asubstantially flat thumb-receiving surface which has a profile arrangedsubstantially parallel to the lateral axis. The thumb-receiving surfaceis arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The handleis further being provided with a pair of substantially flatfinger-receiving surfaces which are disposed on opposite lateral sidesurfaces of the handle adjacent the second end, and are arrangedsubstantially normal to the thumb-receiving surface. The handle tapersin lateral width and in thickness as it extends from the body portion tothe second end, thereby to define a substantially pointed portion of thehandle adjacent to the body portion and including the second end.

[0008] The finger-receiving surfaces are formed on the pointed portionof the handle. The handle is shaped and dimensioned to be gripped by thehands of a user in a grip hold wherein: the thumbs of the user pointsubstantially towards the club head and are disposed in side-by-siderelation upon the thumb-receiving surface; the index finger of each handlies against the thumb of each hand and against a respective one of thefinger-receiving surfaces; the tips of the middle fingers of the handstouch one another and lie against the respective index finger of eachhand and against a rear surface of the handle; and the ring and smallfingers of the hands are intertwined.

[0009] As other aspects of the present invention, the handle ispreferably further provided with two front beveled surfaces extendingbetween the pointed portion and the first end. Each of the front beveledsurfaces is intermediate the front surface and a respective one of theopposite lateral side surfaces of the handle. According to this aspectof the invention, the grip hold is such that the palm of each hand ofthe user lies against a respective one of the front beveled surfaces.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, each of the frontbeveled surfaces preferably widens as it extends from the pointedportion to the first end, as aforesaid.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the handlepreferably tapers in thickness as it extends from the first end to thepointed portion at a rate of taper that is less pronounced than thetaper of the handle in thickness as it extends from the body portion tothe second end, as aforesaid.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the handle ispreferably further provided with two rear beveled surfaces. Each of therear beveled surfaces is intermediate the rear surface and a respectiveone of the opposite lateral side surfaces of the handle. According tothis aspect of the invention, the grip hold is such that portions of themiddle fingers of each hand of the user lie against a respective one ofthe rear beveled surfaces.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the thumb-receivingsurface is provided with grippable member portions shaped and formedtherein.

[0014] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the meansfor rigidly connecting the handle to the shaft comprises a socketprovided in the handle for the shaft.

[0015] As another aspect, the present invention includes a method ofinstruction pertaining to putting in golf which comprises guiding agolfer to grip the handle of a putter in a grip hold wherein the thumbsof the golfer point substantially towards the club head and are disposedin side-by-side relation upon a front surface of the handle. The griphold is also such that the index finger of each hand lies against thethumb of each hand and against a respective one of opposite lateral sidesurfaces of the handle. The tips of the middle fingers of the handstouch one another and lie against a rear surface of the handle, withportions of the middle finger of each hand lying against respectiveopposite lateral side surfaces of the handle and against the respectiveindex finger of each hand. The grip hold is also such that the ring andsmall fingers of the hands are intertwined.

[0016] As another aspect, the present invention includes a golf puttercomprising a club head, a shaft, and an elongate handle. The club headhas a rear part defining a heel, a front part defining a toe, and a headaxis extending between the heel and the toe. The club head also has asubstantially planar sole which is arranged substantially parallel tothe head axis, a lateral axis lying in the plane of the sole andarranged normal to the head axis, and a planar striking face on onelateral side of the club head. The planar striking face is arrangedparallel to the head axis and substantially transverse to the sole. Theshaft has a lower end operatively rigidly attached to the club head, anupper end disposed upwardly and rearwardly from the lower end, and alongitudinal axis extending between the upper end and the lower end. Thelongitudinal axis is disposed at an angle of 10-20° to a plane which isnormal to the head axis and lying in a plane that is arrangedsubstantially normal to the sole and includes the head axis. Theelongate handle has a first end disposed substantially longitudinallyupwardly from the upper end of the shaft and extending therefromsubstantially longitudinally, downwardly to a second end operativelyrigidly attached to the upper end of the shaft and contiguous therewith.

[0017] The handle has a body portion intermediate the first end and thesecond end. The handle is provided, on a front surface of the handleadjacent the body portion, with a substantially flat thumb-receivingsurface having a profile arranged substantially parallel to the lateralaxis. The thumb-receiving surface is arranged substantially parallel tothe longitudinal axis. The handle is further provided with a pair ofsubstantially flat finger-receiving surfaces which are disposed, onopposite lateral side surfaces of the handle adjacent the second end,and are arranged substantially normal to the thumb-receiving surface.The handle tapers in lateral width and in thickness as it extends fromthe body portion to the second end, thereby to define a substantiallypointed portion of the handle adjacent to the body portion and includingthe second end. The finger-receiving surfaces are formed on the pointedportion of the handle. The handle is shaped and dimensioned to begripped by the hands of a user in a grip hold wherein: the thumbs of theuser point substantially towards the club head and are disposed inside-by-side relation upon the thumb-receiving surface; the index fingerof each hand lies against the thumb of each hand and against arespective one of the finger-receiving surfaces; the tips of the middlefingers of the hands touch one another and lie against the respectiveindex finger of each hand and against a rear surface of the handle; andthe ring and small fingers of the hands are intertwined.

[0018] As another aspect of the invention, the handle of the putter ispreferably further provided with two front beveled surfaces extendingbetween the pointed portion and the first end.

[0019] Each of the front beveled surfaces is intermediate the frontsurface and a respective one of the opposite lateral side surfaces ofthe handle. According to this aspect of the invention, the grip hold issuch that the palm of each hand of the user lies against a respectiveone of the front beveled surfaces.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, each of the frontbeveled surfaces on the handle of the putter preferably widens as itextends from the pointed portion to the first end, as aforesaid.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the handle ofthe putter preferably tapers in thickness as it extends from the firstend to the pointed portion at a rate of taper that is less pronouncedthan the taper of the handle in thickness as it extends from the bodyportion to the second end, as aforesaid.

[0022] According to still another aspect of the invention, the handle ofthe putter is preferably further provided with two rear beveledsurfaces. Each of the rear beveled surfaces is intermediate of the rearsurface and a respective one of the opposite lateral side surfaces ofthe handle. According to this aspect of the invention, the grip hold issuch that portions of the middle fingers of each hand of the user lieagainst a respective one of the rear beveled surfaces.

[0023] According to still yet another aspect of the invention, thethumb-receiving surface of the handle of the putter is provided withgrippable member portions shaped and formed therein.

[0024] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the presentinvention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly describedhereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf putter according to a preferredembodiment of the invention in use by a golfer;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a side view of the putter and golfer of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the putter of FIG. 1 (not toscale);

[0028]FIG. 4 is a partial front view of the putter of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated bynumeral 5 in FIG. 1, showing part of the putter and the hands of thegolfer, with hidden parts of the putter shown in phantom outline;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a side view of the putter structure and hands of FIG. 5;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a front side perspective view of the putter structureand hands of FIG. 5;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a bottom sectional view of the putter structure andhands of FIG. 5;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a rear view of the putter structure and hands of FIG. 5;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a front side perspective view of the putter structureof FIG. 5;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a front view of the putter structure of FIG. 5;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a side view of the putter structure of FIG. 5;

[0037]FIG. 13 is a top end view of the putter structure of FIG. 5;

[0038]FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the putter swung toone side to strike the ball;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, showing the golfer inmidstroke, immediately prior to ball contact;

[0040]FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15, showing the golfer and ballafter contact; and

[0041]FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 10, with the shaft removed forclarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a golf putter accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention, grasped by a golferin a grip hold more fully described in following paragraphs, is shownand designated with general reference numeral 20.

[0043] Generally, the golf putter 20 comprises a club head 22, a shaft24, a stem 26 and an elongate handle 28, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0044] The club head 22, which is typically formed of steel and bestillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, is of the mallet type which includes arear part defining a heel 30, a front part defining a toe 32, a headaxis H-H extending between the heel 30 and the toe 32, a substantiallyplanar sole 34 which is arranged parallel to the head axis H-H, alateral axis X-X lying in the plane of the sole 34 and arranged normalto the head axis H-H, and a planar striking face 36 on one lateral sideof the club head 22 which is arranged parallel to the head axis H-H andsubstantially transverse to the sole 34. Particularly, the degree ofloft, that is, the angle α between the vertical and striking face 36, isapproximately 4°.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shaft 24 has an upper end 38, alower end 40 and a longitudinal axis Y-Y extending therebetween, and istypically formed of steel, integrally, with a shaft extension (notshown) which extends longitudinally upwardly from the upper end 38 ofthe shaft 24 into a socket provided in the handle 28. The socket isindicated in FIG. 17 with general reference numeral 44.

[0046] As best seen in FIG. 4, the stem 26 rigidly extends from thelower end 40 of the shaft 24 to a point on the club head 22 adjacent itsheel 30, operatively rigidly attaching the club head 22 to the lower end40 of the shaft 24 such that the upper end 38 of the shaft 24 isdisposed upwardly and rearwardly from the lower end 40 and such that thelongitudinal axis Y-Y lies in a plane that is arranged substantiallynormal to the sole 34 and includes the head axis H-H and is disposed atan angle β of 10° to a plane that is normal to the head axis H-H,thereby to suitably offset the handle 28 from the club head 22 andprovide for a natural stance in use, as described below. Manners bywhich a club head 22 can be coupled to a shaft 24 via a stem 26 arewell-known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, and as such, theprecise manner of such attachment in the preferred embodiment is notdescribed herein in detail.

[0047] With general reference to FIGS. 10-12, it will be seen that thehandle 28 has a first end 46 which is disposed substantiallylongitudinally, upwardly from the upper end 38 of the shaft 24 andextends therefrom, substantially longitudinally, downwardly, to a secondend 48 which is operatively rigidly connected (by the shaft extensionand the socket 44, as previously discussed) to and contiguous with theupper end 38 of the shaft 24. The handle 28 includes an intermediatebody portion 54 intermediate of the first end 46 and the second end 48.The handle 28 preferably tapers both in lateral width and in transversethickness as it extends from the body portion 54 to the second end 48,with sharp edges being carefully avoided, thereby to define asubstantially pointed portion 52 of the handle 28 including the secondend 48. Further, and as best seen in FIG. 6 and FIG. 12, a front surface55 of the handle 28 is somewhat arcuate, initially extending from theupper end 38 of the shaft 24 at a slight forward angle adjacent thepointed portion 52 and then bent slightly backwardly at the body portion54 towards the first end 46.

[0048] As best seen in FIG. 12, the handle 28 also tapers in thicknessas it extends from the first end 46 to the pointed portion 52 at a rateof taper that is preferably less pronounced than the taper of the handlein thickness as it extends from the body portion 54 to the second end 48to define the pointed portion 52, as aforesaid.

[0049] Of particular interest, the handle 28 is provided with asubstantially flat thumb-receiving surface 56 on the front surface 55adjacent the body portion 54, seen best in FIGS. 11 and 13. Thethumb-receiving surface 56 has a profile that is arranged substantiallyparallel to the lateral axis X-X (as best seen in FIG. 13) and to thelongitudinal axis Y-Y. The thumb-receiving surface 56 is preferablyprovided with grippable member portions 64 shaped and formed therein.The handle 28 is also provided with a pair of substantially flatfinger-receiving surfaces 58, seen best in FIG. 10, which are disposedon opposite lateral side surfaces 57 of the pointed portion 52 andarranged substantially normal to the thumb-receiving surface 56.

[0050] The handle 28 is further provided with two front beveled surfaces59 extending between the pointed portion 52 and the first end 46. Eachof the front beveled surfaces 59 is intermediate of the front surface 55and a respective one of the opposite lateral side surfaces 57 of thehandle 28. Each of the front beveled surfaces 59 preferably widens as itextends from the pointed portion 52 to the first end 46, as aforesaid.

[0051] As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 12, the handle 28 is preferablyfurther provided with two rear beveled surfaces 60. Each of the rearbeveled surfaces 60 is intermediate a rear surface 62 of the handle 28and a respective one of the opposite lateral side surfaces 57 thereof.

[0052] The foregoing structure admits the use of a novel grippingtechnique, best indicated in FIG. 5 through FIG. 9, wherein the handle28 is shown in combination with the hands of a user, configured in agrip hold (with hidden portions of the handle shown in phantom outline.)In the grip hold, the thumbs of the user point substantially towards theclub head 22 and are disposed in side-by-side relation upon thethumb-receiving surface 56; the index finger of each hand lies againstthe thumb of each hand and against a respective one of thefinger-receiving surfaces 58; the tips of the middle fingers of thehands touch one another and lie against the respective index finger ofeach hand and against the rear surface 62 of the handle 28; and the ringand small fingers of the hands are intertwined. Preferably, the griphold is also such that the palm of each hand of the user lies against arespective one of the front beveled surfaces 59, and such that portionsof the middle fingers of each hand of the user lie against a respectiveone of the rear beveled surfaces 60.

[0053] In use, the golfer stands in a slightly stooped position, asshown in FIG. 2, with arms lowered and shoulders even, and grips thehandle 28 in the manner described above such that the club head 22 liesdirectly beside the ball, with its sole parallel to the ground, asillustrated in FIG. 15. To strike the ball, the golfer rotates his orher arms and shoulders, which imparts pendulum-like motion to the putter20, as indicated in the sequence of FIGS. 14-16.

[0054] Whereas the foregoing describes an embodiment of the golf putterof the present invention which is preferred by the inventor, it iscontemplated that, as is conventional in the putter industry, variousgeometric-type adjustments will be made to the putter so as to suit theheight and style of a given user.

[0055] For example, shaft length (exclusive of any shaft extension) willtypically range between 28 and 36 inches; handle length will typicallyrange between 6 and 10 inches; the lie (angle β) will typically rangebetween 10° (the present minimum prescribed by the Rules of Golf) and20°; and the loft (angle α) will typically range between nil and 10°(the present maximum for putters as prescribed by the Rules of Golf). Onoccasion, it may also be desired to provide a putter wherein theprojection of the straight part of the shaft on to the vertical planethrough the heel and toe diverges from the vertical; divergence of up to20° is permissible under the present Rules of Golf. More substantialstructural changes can also be made. For example, whereas the putter ofthe preferred embodiment includes a mallet-type club head having astriking face on each side, more traditional blade, as well asskirted-blade and other configurations may be utilized. As well, whereasthe putter of the preferred embodiment utilizes a stem which enters theclub head adjacent the heel, the stem can be made to enter at any pointin the head, or may be omitted altogether, or provided with an offset.Of course, variations can also be made in terms of choice of materials.That is, whereas the shaft of the preferred embodiment is constructed ofsteel, other materials, such as wood, aluminum, graphite or fiberglasscould readily be substituted. As well, whereas the handle of thepreferred embodiment forms part of a separate “grip”, which includesmeans for connection to the shaft of a putter (i.e., the socket) thehandle could readily be formed integrally with the shaft. As well,whereas the handle of the preferred embodiment is a molded plasticproduct, it could readily be formed from, for example, wood or rubber.Club heads, as well, need not be limited to steel construction, and maybe cast or machined from metals such as bronze, brass and aluminum, orcarved from stone. Accordingly, it should be understood that theinvention is limited only by the accompanying claims, purposivelyconstrued.

I claim:
 1. A grip for a golf putter of the type having a club headhaving a rear part defining a heel, a front part defining a toe, a headaxis extending between the heel and the toe, a substantially planar solewhich is arranged parallel to the head axis and a lateral axis lying inthe plane of the sole and arranged normal to the head axis; and a shafthaving a lower end operatively rigidly attached to the club head andproximate thereto, an upper end disposed upwardly, rearwardly from theclub head and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the gripcomprising: an elongate handle having a first end, a second end, and abody portion intermediate the first end and the second end; and meansfor rigidly connecting the handle to the shaft such that the first endis disposed substantially longitudinally upwardly from the upper end ofthe shaft and the second end is contiguous with the upper end of theshaft; the handle being provided, on a front surface of the handleadjacent the body portion, with a substantially flat thumb-receivingsurface having a profile arranged substantially parallel to the lateralaxis, and with the thumb-receiving surface arranged substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis, and further being provided with apair of substantially flat finger-receiving surfaces which are disposedon opposite lateral side surfaces of the handle adjacent the second end,and are arranged substantially normal to the thumb-receiving surface,wherein the handle tapers in lateral width and in thickness as itextends from the body portion to the second end, thereby to define asubstantially pointed portion of the handle adjacent to the body portionand including the second end, and wherein the finger-receiving surfacesare formed on the pointed portion of the handle; wherein the handle isshaped and dimensioned to be gripped by the hands of a user in a griphold wherein: the thumbs of the user point substantially towards theclub head and are disposed in side-by-side relation upon thethumb-receiving surface; the index finger of each hand lies against thethumb of each hand and against a respective one of the finger-receivingsurfaces; the tips of the middle fingers of the hands touch one anotherand lie against the respective index fingers thereof and against a rearsurface of the handle; and the ring and small fingers of the hands areintertwined.
 2. A grip according to claim 1, wherein the handle isfurther provided with two front beveled surfaces extending between thepointed portion and the first end, with each of the front beveledsurfaces intermediate the front surface of the handle and a respectiveone of the opposite lateral side surfaces of the handle; and wherein thegrip hold is such that the palm of each hand of the user lies against arespective one of the front beveled surfaces.
 3. A grip according toclaim 2, wherein each of the front beveled surfaces widens as it extendsfrom the pointed portion to the first end, as aforesaid.
 4. A gripaccording to claim 3, wherein the handle tapers in thickness as itextends from the first end to the pointed portion at a rate of taperthat is less pronounced than the taper of the handle in thickness as itextends from the body portion to the second end, as aforesaid.
 5. A gripaccording to claim 4, wherein the handle is further provided with tworear beveled surfaces each intermediate the rear surface and arespective one of the opposite lateral side surfaces of the handle; andwherein the grip hold is such that portions of the middle fingers ofeach hand of the user lie against a respective one of the rear beveledsurfaces.
 6. A grip according to claim 5, wherein the thumb-receivingsurface is provided with grippable member portions shaped and formedtherein.
 7. A grip according to claim 6, wherein the means for rigidlyconnecting the handle to the shaft comprises a socket provided in thehandle for the shaft.
 8. A golf putter comprising: a club head having: arear part defining a heel; a front part defining a toe; a head axisextending between the heel and the toe; a substantially planar solewhich is arranged substantially parallel to the head axis; a lateralaxis lying in the plane of the sole and arranged normal to the headaxis; and a planar striking face on one lateral side of the club head,the planar striking face being arranged parallel to the head axis andsubstantially transverse to the sole; a shaft having: a lower endoperatively rigidly attached to the club head; an upper end disposedupwardly and rearwardly from the lower end; and a longitudinal axisextending between the upper end and the lower end, the longitudinal axisbeing disposed at an angle of 10-20° to a plane which is normal to thehead axis and lying in a plane that is arranged substantially normal tothe sole and includes the head axis; and an elongate handle having afirst end disposed substantially longitudinally upwardly from the upperend of the shaft and extending therefrom substantially longitudinally,downwardly to a second end operatively rigidly attached to the upper endof the shaft and contiguous therewith, the handle having a body portionintermediate the first end and the second end; the handle beingprovided, on a front surface of the handle adjacent the body portion,with a substantially flat thumb-receiving surface having a profilearranged substantially parallel to the lateral axis, and with thethumb-receiving surface arranged substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis, and further being provided with a pair ofsubstantially flat finger-receiving surfaces which are disposed onopposite lateral side surfaces of the handle adjacent the second end,and are arranged substantially normal to the thumb-receiving surface,wherein the handle tapers in lateral width and in thickness as itextends from the body portion to the second end, thereby to define asubstantially pointed portion of the handle adjacent to the body portionand including the second end, and wherein the finger-receiving surfacesare formed on the pointed portion of the handle; wherein the handle isshaped and dimensioned to be gripped by the hands of a user in a griphold wherein: the thumbs of the user point substantially towards theclub head and are disposed in side-by-side relation upon thethumb-receiving surface; the index finger of each hand lies against thethumb of each hand and against a respective one of the finger-receivingsurfaces; the tips of the middle fingers of the hands touch one anotherand lie against the respective index fingers thereof and against a rearsurface of the handle; and the ring and small fingers of the hands areintertwined.
 9. A golf putter according to claim 8, wherein the handleis further provided with two front beveled surfaces extending betweenthe pointed portion and the first end, with each of the front beveledsurfaces intermediate the front surface and a respective one of theopposite lateral side surfaces of the handle; and wherein the grip holdis such that the palm of each hand of the user lies against a respectiveone of the front beveled surfaces.
 10. A golf putter according to claim9, wherein each of the front beveled surfaces widens as it extends fromthe pointed portion to the first end, as aforesaid.
 11. A golf putteraccording to claim 10, wherein the handle tapers in thickness as itextends from the first end to the pointed portion at a rate of taperthat is less pronounced than the taper of the handle in thickness as itextends from the body portion to the second end, as aforesaid.
 12. Agolf putter according to claim 11, wherein the handle is furtherprovided with two rear beveled surfaces each intermediate the rearsurface and a respective one of the opposite lateral side surfaces ofthe handle; and wherein the grip hold is such that portions of themiddle fingers of each hand of the user lie against a respective one ofthe rear beveled surfaces.
 13. A golf putter according to claim 12,wherein the thumb-receiving surface is provided with grippable memberportions shaped and formed therein.
 14. A method of instructionpertaining to putting in golf which comprises guiding a golfer to gripthe handle of a putter in a grip hold wherein: the thumbs of the golferpoint substantially towards the club head and are disposed inside-by-side relation upon a front surface of the handle; the indexfinger of each hand lies against the thumb of each hand and against arespective one of opposite lateral side surfaces of the handle; the tipsof the middle fingers of the hands touch one another and lie against arear surface of the handle, with portions of the middle finger of eachhand lying against respective opposite lateral side surfaces of thehandle and against the respective index finger of each hand; and thering and small fingers of the hands are intertwined.